Acupuncture can be a very effective addition to other physiotherapy treatment modalities to help speed up your recovery. The needles used are very fine, single-use stainless steel needles which can help promote healing, improve sleep and reduce pain.
Elizabeth Watson-Rose
and Marjolijn Visser
are very experienced in the use of acupuncture. Both are members of the AACP (Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) and attends regular acupuncture CPD training events to continually progress their skills. Marjolijn Visser also has a BSc (Hons) degree in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture.
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
Acupuncture comes with many potential benefits which can vary from person to person. Acupuncture can help relieve pain for a number of conditions, along with alleviating muscle spasm and muscle tension. It also reduces inflammation and promotes the healing process. With regards to whole body wellbeing, acupuncture can help with relaxation, mood, stress, and anxiety, along with improving sleep.
What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture can used to treat a wide range of health conditions, from chronic back or neck pain, to knee osteoarthritis, shoulder pain or foot pain. Acupuncture can help in the treatment of most musculoskeletal conditions/injuries, along with chronic pain
and stress/anxiety. There is a range of scientific evidence showing the benefit of acupuncture for a number of conditions, including migraines, tension type headaches and temporo-mandibular joint disorders/jaw pain. Elizabeth also offers acupuncture during pregnancy for a range of musculoskeletal conditions/injuries/pain.
What are the side effects of acupuncture?
Acupuncture risks are extremely low; your physiotherapist will discuss these with you. Side effects are generally mild and short-term. They can include:
Minor bleeding and/or bruising
Mild pain or aggravation of symptoms for a short period of time
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea
When is acupuncture not suitable?
Prior to progressing with acupuncture, your physiotherapist will conduct a full initial assessment and take a detailed medical history to ensure that acupuncture is both indicated and appropriate.
Acupuncture will not be used during the following situations:
If you have a fear of needles
If you have an unstable heart condition
If you have uncontrolled diabetes
If you have poorly controlled epilepsy or a history of unexplained seizures
If you have a bleeding disorder
In an area with an open wound or bruising
If you have an infection or a skin disorder
If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the appointment
There are certain health conditions for which acupuncture is not contraindicated, however treatment must proceed with caution. This will be discussed at your appointment.